17.7 C
Manchester
Thursday, September 18, 2025
NewsAwardsMANCHESTER-BREWED STOUT TROUNCES BEST SELLING COMPETITION IN BLIND TASTE TEST

MANCHESTER-BREWED STOUT TROUNCES BEST SELLING COMPETITION IN BLIND TASTE TEST

Tryanuary is a time to sample new tastes .

With this in mind, it is a perfect opportunity to try out a newcomer to the stout market which has just defeated age old competition in a battle of the beers.

Iconic and independent brewery Joseph Holt pitched its award-winning Trailblazer stout against Guinness in a blind taste test, with 85 per cent of consumers preferring the Manchester-made brew to the Irish dry stout.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the results – especially since Trailblazer is a relative newcomer to the stout market and Guinness is over 250 years old “ said Phil Parkinson, head brewer at Joseph Holt. “Even more satisfying is that, having blind tested drinkers of all ages, so many younger people enjoyed Trailblazer too. And with Tryanuary a time when people are encouraged to try new things, Trailblazer is a must for those who want to enjoy a fantastic stout.”

Indeed Manchester-based brewery, Joseph Holt, which owns 127 pubs across the North West, says that since the launch of its Trailblazer stout, there has been a 63 per cent increase in the number of younger drinkers ordering a glass.

Brewed with distinct roasted barley, Trailblazer has a smoky, dark roast coffee aroma with hints of chocolate, treacle, liquorice, and nutty notes. With its velveted body and firm creamy head, it also strikes a subtle bitter sweet taste with a fine, dry finish. The industry has already recognised the quality of the product after Trailblazer took a silver medal at the 2021 International Brewing Awards.

The Joseph Holt brewery was established by its eponymous founder in 1849, and has since been in the same family for six generations. Its beers are supplied to over 500 locations nationally. Stout was first brewed in this country at the beginning of the 18th century. It was originally known as porter, since it was popular with London street market workers: the strongest variety was known as stout porter, which was eventually shortened to just stout.

To blind test the two types of stout, drinkers were given unmarked glasses of the two products. After assessing the stouts for their appearance, they then sampled each drink to compare their taste.

You can watch a full video of drinkers carrying out the tests here:

Added Phil: “We are delighted that Trailblazer stout was preferred by the majority.  The decision for Joseph Holt to brew its own stout – in the face of long-time established brands – stemmed from opening up after lockdown and a desire to launch new products as we welcomed people back into our pubs. The drink proved extremely popular as soon it was available . And this taste test shows that you can be a new drink on the block and still prove more popular than those which have been around for, literally, centuries.”

Olivia McHugh
Olivia McHugh
Staff writer
Latest

Tees Valley International Film Festival to Premiere “3 Peaks 3 Pots” This November

The eagerly awaited documentary 3 Peaks 3 Pots will have its first screening on 6 November 2025 at ARC Stockton, marking one of the...

The green fleet: Sourcing affordable EVs at car auctions

The used electric vehicle market is experiencing unprecedented growth across the UK, with government data showing that zero-emission vehicles accounted for 20% of all new car...

Timberwise Boss Reveals Five Costly Issues Buyers of Older Homes Should Know

A leading voice in property care has revealed the five most widespread and expensive issues that often arise when people purchase older homes. George Edwards,...

K2L Marketing Strengthens Global Footprint with New Offices in Dubai and Illinois

Manchester-based performance marketing agency K2L has announced the opening of two new international offices, one in Dubai and the other in Illinois, USA. This...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Choosing reliable vehicle financing for families in Manchester

When it comes to securing vehicle financing for your family, reliability is essential. Families need to consider the long-term impact of their financial decisions,...

K2L Marketing Strengthens Global Footprint with New Offices in Dubai and Illinois

Manchester-based performance marketing agency K2L has announced the opening of two new international offices, one in Dubai and the other in Illinois, USA. This...

Tees Valley International Film Festival to Premiere “3 Peaks 3 Pots” This November

The eagerly awaited documentary 3 Peaks 3 Pots will have its first screening on 6 November 2025 at ARC Stockton, marking one of the...

The green fleet: Sourcing affordable EVs at car auctions

The used electric vehicle market is experiencing unprecedented growth across the UK, with government data showing that zero-emission vehicles accounted for 20% of all new car...

More News

Acme Posts Best Results in Company’s 60-Year History

The Acme Facilities Group, one of the UK’s longest-established names in commercial kitchens, refrigeration, and air conditioning, has announced the best financial results in...

Corporate event catering in Manchester – Who does it best?

When it comes to planning a corporate event, one detail that makes a lasting impression is the catering. Whether you’re hosting a team meeting,...

Salford City Council and K2L Marketing Collaborate to Promote Healthy Eating in Local Schools

K2L Marketing, based in Salford, has teamed up with Salford City Council to launch a far-reaching campaign promoting the advantages of healthy school meals...